Apparently 2026 is set to be our ‘Happiest Travel Year’ yet

Apparently 2026 is set to be our ‘Happiest Travel Year’ yet.  A new report thinks so…and honestly, I’m with them!

Some reports and surveys I take with a pinch of salt, but, G Adventures has just dropped its first Travel Your Heart Out: Happiness List 2026, and it’s basically scientific proof that having a holiday booked is the key to happiness!

According to the research, 85% of us Brits say travel contributes to long-term happiness (I’m actually surprised it is not closer to 100%!) and that 76% of us feel happier day-to-day when we’ve got a trip to look forward to in the diary.

But what’s really interesting and what I see every day with my clients, is why we’re travelling. Gone are the days of picking a destination just because it’s on a “Top 10 Places to Go Before You Pop Your Clogs” list.  The survey shows that almost 70% of  travellers are choosing their trips based on experiences.  We seem to be seeking connection, proper culture and that warm fuzzy “Ahh, I get it now” feeling you only get from being somewhere completely different.

Interestingly, 83% of travellers are actively considering ethics when choosing who to book with. This is huge, as sustainability, supporting communities, staying in locally-owned spots, and avoiding overcrowded hotspots aren’t just “nice-to-haves” anymore. They’re becoming more and more important.

The majority of travellers are saying that they are equally craving downtime and a bit of adventure for their holidays. This is my personal favourite too, think: a morning hiking or wildlife spotting or wandering around a new city, followed by an afternoon buried in a good book by the pool or at the beach (and…probably with a cocktail or two!)

Here are some ideas for trips that are  designed to maximise that holiday-happiness:

• Panama: Beachy bliss meets big-city sparkle, plus a dose of proper ‘island life’.
• Central Asia’s Silk Road: A deep-dive into history & culture.
• The Arctic: Ice, wildlife and wilderness, this is proper goosebump stuff.
• Moldova: Food & wine.  Nuff said!
• Local Living trips in places like France, Morocco or Iceland.  These are slow stays, community connections, and will give you that “I’m basically a local now” feeling.
• Solar eclipse journeys in Egypt and Morocco in 2027, proper bucket-list stuff.
• Ecuador is a brilliant option for families,  with rainforest lodges and wildlife galore.
• Sri Lanka, not only on land, but on the water.  Catamarans & coastlines, this is really slow travel and it is magical.
• Guatemala, as seen on this season’s Celebrity Race Across the World, is full of culture, colour and a really warm welcome

So if G Adventures survey is accurate, 2026 could be “the happiest travel year yet” and I am here for it!   If this kind of travel piques your interest, then I’m right here, kettle on, ready when you are. ✈️💙